One of the finest medieval guild halls in the world, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall has witnessed over seven centuries of enterprise and adventure.
The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York built the Hall - and remain custodians to this day. The city’s original business pioneers, the guild amassed and risked fortunes, embarking in the perilous world of global trade...something that would help shape the fortunes of the city, from the medieval wool trade to railways, chocolate and tourism.
Home to the Company of Merchant Adventurers since 1357, the Hall and the guild are integral elements of York’s incredible heritage.
The Great Hall
This impressive timber-framed hall once welcomed medieval guild gatherings, banquets, and trade. Today, its soaring oak roof and ancient walls adorned with artworks continue to set the scene for conversations, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection.
The Undercroft
Directly below the Great Hall lies the atmospheric Undercroft. Originally used as a hospital and place of charity for York’s poor and elderly, its vast oak pillars and stone niches offer a glimpse into its role as an almshouse for over 500 years.
The Chapel
The serene chapel, built in the early 15th century has adapted and changed over the years but this light and airy space remains a core part of the Hall and is still used to this day.
Museum Collections
The walls of the Hall are hung with an array of oils, watercolours, prints and drawings depicting significant York men and women, royalty and scenes of York and further afield. The Hall’s collection of oil paintings is available to view on the Art UK website - the online home for every public art collection in the UK.
The Merchant Adventurers own several interesting pieces of furniture. The oldest piece is the ‘Evidence Chest’ from the 13th century, whilst one of the newest is the Governor’s Chair, made by Robert Thompson - ‘The Mouseman of Kilburn’ - in 1940.
The Hall is also home to two outstanding collections of silver; one of which was made and hallmarked in York.
The Garden
Outside, the Hall is framed by a peaceful, walled garden that feels a world away from York’s busy city streets. In every season, the planting, paths and views of the timber‑framed building offer a tranquil spot to pause and reflect on the Hall’s remarkable history.
Guardians of the Hall
The Hall is still cared for by the Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York - a living guild with roots stretching back more than 660 years.
As guardians of this stunning space, they work to preserve the building, share its stories and support charitable and community activities so that future generations can enjoy the Hall for centuries to come.
Learn more about the Company
A place to pause in the heart of York
The Merchants’ Coffee House is the perfect place to pause for a brew while immersed in history. Few cafes offer such stunning surroundings – the perfect chance to refuel during a visit to the Hall or as a meeting spot to catch up with friends.
Our Café
Over 660 years of history
The Merchant Adventurers' Hall has been a witness to seven centuries of history.
Our timeline highlights some of the important dates in the history of the York Merchant Adventurers Company and their Hall.
A new 21st century home for our historic archive
In 2023, the Company of Merchant Adventurers and the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York formed a partnership where the Company’s archive; one of the oldest and most significant collections of documents in the city moved to its new home at the Borthwick.
Learn more about our archives
Plan your visit
Plan your visit to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall with everything you need to know in advance of your visit.
From access information to the latest opening
times we can help you make the most of your
time whilst at the Hall.